The days of single-use plastic products are over.
At least, they're over for some metro Atlanta residents.
Aiming to help the environment, the city council of South Fulton banned use of single-use plastic products, beginning Monday (March 1). The list of banned items includes plastic grocery bags, plastic straws, food containers, newspaper, door hangers and laundry and dry-cleaning bags, 11 Alive reported Monday morning.
The legislation is a longtime coming, with its introduction in October 2019 and a delayed effective date because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on local businesses.
Originally, the ordinance was slated to go into effect on September 1, 2020. Council members approved an amendment to the date in August, according to 11 Alive.
One council member, who sponsored the ordinance, explained that South Fulton is partaking in a "global effort" for the environment.
“With the passing of this legislation, we are joining a global effort to reduce waste, prioritize sustainability and protect our environment,” Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs said. “It is our hope that this measure will encourage residents to increase recycling and other waste-reduction practices, as well as motivate our business community to play a substantial role in making South Fulton a greener and more eco-friendly community.”
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